Thursday marks the 30th anniversary of the GIF, or graphics interchange format, a file that supports static and animated images. The GIF was developed by software writer Steve Wilhite while employed by online service provider CompuServe on June 15, 1987.

Here are seven facts you may not know about the GIF:

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1. It's pronounced "Jif." Creator Steve Wilhite settled a decades-long argument in 2013 by confirming the word's correct pronunciation. His announcement ignited a Twitter debate of more than 17,000 posts and 50 news stories. The arguments have not ceased, though, with loyalists remaining committed to their preferred pronunciation.

2. The original version of the GIF was called 87a. Two years later, CompuServe launched 89a, an enhanced version of the GIF that supported animated graphics.

3. CompuServe helped increase the GIF's popularity by supporting downloadable conversion abilities for computers and video game consoles. By December of 1987, Apple IIGS users could view pictures created on Commodore 64 or Atari ST devices.

4. The GIF was one of the first two types of image formats used on websites. In 1995, Netscape's Navigator 2.0 browser gained the ability to loop animated GIFs.

6. Facebook added the ability to use GIFs on the site in 2015. On Thursday, Facebook added the ability to use GIFs in comments globally to celebrate the 30th birthday.

7. GIF images are compressed through a process that reduces the file size without harming its visual quality. Patented in 1985, controversy over the technique's licensing flared in 1994, igniting a battle between software patent holder Unisys and CompuServe. This prompted the creation of the PNG, or portable network graphic, an advanced, non-patented replacement. By 2004, all relevant patents had expired.